The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 323

The next morning.

Danielle finished putting together the files for the Blackwood Research Institute project, then got ready to take Niki to school.

Niki was growing up so fast—she’d remembered her mom’s birthday.

First thing that morning, she presented Danielle with a hand-made rose.

Danielle was genuinely surprised.

The rose was beautifully crafted, lifelike and delicate.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” Danielle accepted the gift, crouched down, and cupped Niki’s little face, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. “When did you make such a lovely flower? I didn’t even notice.”

Niki hid her hands behind her back and rocked on her heels. “It’s your birthday present, Mom. I wanted it to be a surprise, so of course I couldn’t let you see.”

She beamed. “I watched tutorials online for ages before I finally got it right. I messed up a bunch of times before this one.”

She tugged her mom’s hand.

“Mom, you work so hard lately. I want to study hard too, and when I grow up, I’ll make lots of money for you. Then you won’t have to work so much anymore.”

Danielle’s late nights and endless work hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Danielle paused, her daughter’s words unexpectedly making her throat tighten.

She reached out and gently ruffled Niki’s hair, her voice soft. “You’re too young to be worrying about things like that. Mommy’s already earned plenty of money, sweetheart.”

Niki blinked, puzzled. “If you’ve already made enough, why do you still work so much overtime?”

She hated seeing her mom so exhausted, and sometimes wished she could help.

But in the end, she realized there wasn’t much she could do—except not disturb her mom when she was busy.

It was a surprisingly deep question, and Danielle was momentarily at a loss.

After a moment, she explained, “Because I love what I do, honey. I love my work, and I’m happy working hard for it.”

“It’s just like how you love math and want to learn more about it.”

Niki’s eyes widened in understanding, and she nodded.

She got it now.

—

After dropping Niki off at school,

“And don’t let me find out you’re secretly working on your birthday. Go!”

Danielle could only laugh helplessly.

Is this really how everyone sees me? Just a relentless workaholic?

She was practically shooed out of the institute by Mr. Hawthorne.

As soon as she stepped outside, she spotted Kirsten and Gian waiting by the entrance.

“Dani! Happy birthday!” Kirsten called, holding an enormous bouquet of roses. “Today’s all about you—let’s celebrate properly! Drinks on us, and we’re not calling it a night until you’ve had your fill!”

Gian grinned, “Drinks are fine, but let’s not get too wild. Where’s Niki going to be if you’re hungover?”

Kirsten arched an eyebrow. “Oops, forgot there’s a little one at home.”

Danielle laughed along with them—their easy camaraderie always helped her unwind.

It really did feel good to take a break every now and then.

Gian handed her a velvet rectangular box. “Happy birthday, little sis.”